The Washington Commanders felt they had taken a major step forward last offseason by signing wide receivers Curtis Samuel and Adam Humphries in free agency and drafting Dyami Brown in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft.
Unfortunately for the Commanders, Samuel and Brown combined to catch 18 passes for 192 yards. Yes, you read that correctly. Samuel missed most of the season with a groin injury and when he did play, he was far from 100%. While Brown missed some time, he was slow to adjust to the NFL but showed promise late in the season with big catches against the Cowboys and Eagles.
The one constant for Washington at wide receiver was Terry McLaurin. No surprise there. Despite major quarterback issues, McLaurin went over 1,000 yards for the second consecutive season. The Commanders essentially had no downfield passing game for much of the season, unless McLaurin was making impossible catches.
Humphries was solid, catching 41 passes for 383 yards. The biggest surprise was free agent DeAndre Carter. Signed to be the team’s return man, Carter caught 24 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns. The coaching staff didn’t do a good job of manufacturing more touches for Carter late in the season. He has a future in Washington.
Cam Sims missed several games but had one of the best catches in the NFL against Dallas. He finished with 15 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns.
NFL.com recently reviewed every NFL team’s situation at wide receiver, breaking them down into four tiers. Washington came in the “need immediate help” tier.
McLaurin needs help. It felt like the dynamic receiver was on a solo plane ride for most of the 2021 season. McLaurin netted 77 catches for 1,053 yards and five TDs. The next closest wide receiver in Washington was Humphries, who had 41 catches for 383 yards. Yeesh. Samuel was signed to be that do-it-all threat who could capitalize on coverage rolling towards McLaurin, but he played in just five games due to injury. With money to spend, the Commanders should look to add another playmaker on the outside. If Samuel can stay healthy, McLaurin continues to dominate and Washington bolsters the wideout room, it could help buoy whoever is under center in 2022.
Yes, McLaurin needs help. He’s needed help for three seasons now. Samuel was supposed to provide that help. Can Washington be confident that Samuel will be the player it expected when signing him to a three-year deal last March?
The Commanders can’t spend big on a receiver in free agency because a contract for McLaurin is the top priority behind finding a new quarterback. But Washington should scour the secondary market for wide receiver help and also consider drafting one on day two.
Humphries, Carter and Sims are all free agents in 2022. Washington likes all three players, but don’t be surprised if Carter is the only one who returns.